What you need to bring to the Secretary of State

An Illinois State ID card is issued by the Secretary of State and requires you to visit a Driver Services facility in person. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — all original documents or certified copies.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign national ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes things like a school ID, a work ID, or a hospital record with your name and date of birth on it.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Illinois address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency counts too. If you are homeless, you can bring a letter from a shelter or social service agency instead.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your Social Security number yet, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a State ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver Services facility in person with original documents or certified copies — the process cannot be done entirely online or by mail.
  • Bring one primary identity document (passport, birth certificate, or valid foreign ID) or two secondary documents (school ID, work ID, hospital record).
  • Bring proof of Illinois residency dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
  • Bring proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card or a tax form.
  • The fee for a State ID card is $20 and is valid for five years; you can renew it by mail or online before it expires.

Finding and visiting a Driver Services facility

Illinois has Driver Services facilities across the state run by the Secretary of State's office. You can find the location nearest you on the Secretary of State website by entering your zip code. Some facilities are open Monday through Friday during business hours; others have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, because some locations have reduced schedules or may be closed for holidays.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay organized. Arrive early if possible — many facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times can be long during lunch hours or late afternoon. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some facilities offer appointment scheduling through the Secretary of State website, which can save you time.

What happens at the facility and how long it takes

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you questions to confirm your identity and residency. You will also be photographed for your card.

The entire visit usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the facility is and whether your documents are complete. If something is missing or incorrect, staff will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is in order, you will pay the $20 fee and receive a receipt.

Your State ID card will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The card is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You will receive a notice in the mail when it is time to renew.

Renewing your State ID by mail or online

Before your card expires, you can renew it without visiting a facility. The Secretary of State sends renewal notices about 60 days before your card expires. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website if your card is not damaged and your information has not changed. The online renewal fee is $20, and your new card will be mailed to you.

If you prefer to renew by mail, fill out the renewal form that came with your notice, include a check or money order for $20, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — usually 15 to 20 business days instead of 7 to 10.

If your card is damaged, lost, or stolen, or if your name or address has changed, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person instead of renewing by mail or online. Bring the same documents you brought for your original card, plus a police report if your card was stolen.

What to do if your documents are not accepted

If a staff member tells you a document does not meet the requirements, ask them to explain which rule it does not meet. Some documents have specific requirements — for example, a birth certificate must be certified by the state or county where you were born, and a utility bill must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have the documents the facility is asking for, you have a few options. You can go home and gather different documents that meet the requirements, then return another day. You can ask the facility staff which documents from the secondary list would work instead. Or, if you are missing proof of identity entirely, you can contact the Secretary of State's office by phone to ask what alternatives exist for your situation.

If you are a non-citizen, bring your valid foreign national ID or passport. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 form or employment authorization document (EAD). If you are undocumented, Illinois does not issue State ID cards to people without lawful immigration status, but you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS and use that as proof of Social Security number instead — call the Secretary of State office to ask whether this is an option in your case.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your State ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a Driver Services facility in person to get a replacement. Bring the same documents you brought for your original card. If your card was stolen, also bring a police report or the case number from the police report.

The replacement fee is $20, the same as the original card. Your new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to prove your identity before your new card arrives, you can ask the facility staff for a temporary paper ID, which you can use for up to 30 days.

Using your State ID for other purposes

An Illinois State ID card is accepted as proof of identity for many purposes beyond identification. You can use it to open a bank account, board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or vote. Some employers and schools also accept it as proof of identity for employment or enrollment.

However, a State ID is not a driver's license and does not allow you to drive. If you want to drive in Illinois, you must get a driver's license instead, which requires a separate process and a driving test. A State ID is for people who do not drive or who do not want a driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a State ID if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. You must have a Social Security number to get an Illinois State ID. If you do not have one, you can explore through the Social Security Administration at your local Social Security office. Bring your birth certificate, passport, or other identity document, plus proof of residency. The process usually takes a few weeks.

What if I moved to Illinois recently and do not have a utility bill yet?

You can use other documents that show your current address and are dated within the last 60 days, such as a lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or a letter from a government agency. If you just moved and have none of these, ask the facility staff whether a signed lease or a letter from your landlord counts as proof of residency.

How much does a State ID cost and how long is it valid?

The fee is $20. Your card is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before it expires. Renewal also costs $20 and can be done online, by mail, or in person.

Can I use my State ID to fly on an airplane?

Yes. An Illinois State ID is accepted as valid identification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for domestic flights. You cannot use it for international flights — you will need a passport for those.

What if I am transgender and my State ID does not reflect my current name or gender?

You can update your name and gender marker on your State ID. Bring your current ID, a document showing your legal name change (such as a court order), and proof of residency to a Driver Services facility. The process is the same as getting a replacement card, and the fee is $20. If you do not have a court order, call the Secretary of State office to ask what other documents are accepted.